Position Summary
The MSU Alumni Office’s mission is to build lifelong enrichment for over nearly 550,000 alumni throughout the world. We work to celebrate traditions, strengthen the Spartan network, provide experiences that enrich people professionally and personally, and encourage service to MSU and the communities in which Spartans live and work.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Pipeline, the Executive Staff Assistant provides support for the AVP. Working hours vary and may include working nights and weekends based on program needs.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assistant to AVP:
- Works closely with Assistant Vice President to manage their schedule and maintain their calendars for meetings, travel, and events.
- Assists with special projects and handles confidential information.
- Reviews, sorts, and directs mail, including drafting responses.
- Keeps confidential files.
- Assists in planning logistics and agendas for meetings, training programs, interviews, and events to include Sparty Mascot Program.
- Attends meetings and reports on discussions. Records minutes and distributes to committee participants.
- Makes travel arrangements and manages conference registrations; reconciles travel reimbursements.
- Tracks expense reimbursements for travel and credit card transactions from meetings and purchases.
- Coordinates logistics for the MSU Alumni Office Football suite; contacts attendees; distributes tickets and parking passes; keeps records of guests; pays all invoices; occasionally hosts guests.
Miscellaneous Duties:
- Monitors the operations of the Department and reconciles the budget to keep the Assistant VP informed of expenditures.
- On behalf of the Assistant VP, serves on various project committees and leadership teams.
- On behalf of the Assistant VP, represents Michigan State University Alumni Office at state and national meetings.
- Performs other duties normally associated with a Secretary III and Executive Secretary II in order to ensure completion of necessary work.
- Completes other duties as assigned.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
INTERACTS WITH
- Supervisor/Office Staff - in order to receive instruction, verify information and provide requested materials.
- MSU donors and alumni - in order to provide services and information to them in the course of University Advancement events and serving thereby as a representative of Michigan State University.
- MSU deans, directors, faculty, academic staff and support staff - in order to collaborate on projects for the university and its colleges.
- Event contractors and vendors- in order to coordinate and discuss information related to events
- Colleagues within University Advancement, including University Development, the MSU Alumni Office and Advancement Services - in order to serve the fundraising and advancement mission of the division.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Direction is received from the Assistant Vice President of Alumni
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May provide first-level supervision over student employees and volunteers.
IMPACT ON PROGRAMS/SERVICES/OPERATIONS
Judgment and decisions made in planning may exert impact on the university’s overall image and integrity as perceived by donors, alumni and the university and larger external communities. Errors in such judgment can negatively affect the reputation and future resources of the university, its administrators and the board of trustees.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge normally acquired through a high school education with course work in word processing, typing, shorthand, and grammar; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive University work experience in maintaining account ledgers, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software; editing, composing correspondence, taking dictation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- Ability to work and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with a broad range of internal and external constituents including alumni, faculty, staff, and other friends of the university.
- Strong collaboration skills. The ability to work independently and flexibly with different responsibilities in a high-energy atmosphere. Solves problems, handles confidential information, and navigates sensitive situations.
- Excellent project management, organizational, and planning skills, as well as superior attentiveness to detail.
- Experience managing expenses.
- Familiarity with higher education, alumni outreach, and engagement.
- A valid vehicle operator's license where needed to perform duties of the position.
- Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
- This position requires or will require prior to the completion of the probationary period: knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use
If you have experience with the responsibilities outlined in this job description or possess transferable skills, we encourage you to apply!
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume and cover letter
Special Instructions
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, at karampat@msu.edu.
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Work Hours
8 am - 5 pm with possible evenings and weekends
Website
Advancement.msu.edu
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends on January 20, 2026, at 11:55 PM
